Melbourne writer Jessica Knight remembered as loving writer and disability advocate after untimely death
A bold voice in Melbourne’s literary and disability communities — who turned pain into poetry — has been remembered for her zest for life, sharp wit and unforgettable presence.
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A fierce, funny and fearless writer who turned pain into poetry has been remembered for her sharp wit and unforgettable presence.
Melbourne’s literary and disability communities are mourning the loss of writer, poet and performer Jessica Knight, who died on July 7, leaving friends “shell-shocked” by her passing.
A passionate advocate for the disabled community, Jessica challenged how society saw people with disabilities through her writing.
Long-time friend Giselle Nguyen said Jessica was “incredibly funny” and would forever be remembered for her humour.
“She had a wicked cackle that I’d recognise anywhere and some of the most iconic, brutal one-liners I’ve ever heard,” she said.
“So many people have said to me that they only met Jessica once but will remember her forever for her humour and presence.”
In 2021, Jessica contributed a chapter in the anthology “Growing Up Disabled in Australia,” published by Black Ink.
She also performed her show, Mormon Girl, at the 2019 at the Melbourne Fringe Festival and last year released her memoir Strange Little Girl.
Ms Nguyen said Jessica’ memoir “really showed her spirit” which was “being determined”.
“(The book) is a very honest, beautiful, and joyful story, even though what she’s talking about in the book is often sad and challenging. I really encourage people to get their hands on a copy of the book,” she said.
Much of Jessica’s work explored her childhood in country Victoria and growing up with what she described as a “medical mystery body”.
Despite being unwell from a young age, Jessica never wanted pity — only for people to truly understand what she had been through, Ms Nguyen said.
“She was incredibly resilient in the face of all these challenges that life threw her way and still had this incredible creative output,” she said.
“She was a really strong and unique voice, speaking about her own experiences, but also allowing people to understand the life she’d had, which might be different from their own, but find common threads of connection within it.”
An online fundraiser organised to help Jessica’s family arrange a funeral has raised more than $13,000 since Monday.
Ms Nguyen said the fundraiser has helped ease the financial burden during a “really difficult and emotional time”.’
“I have been so touched and moved by how quickly the community has come together,” she said.
“We all know that funerals are very expensive, especially when somebody passes away pretty suddenly.”
Ms Nguyen said the family was grateful for the “outpouring” of support from Jessica’s friends and the literary community.
“Jessica was a really wonderful friend, she will be hugely missed by all her friends, her partner, and her cat Mister Bread.
“I’m sure Jessica would be thrilled if she could see (the support).”
